Within the automotive world, traits appear to roll out like so many autos off the meeting line.
Sport utility autos, as soon as a development, now are the household hauler of selection. Such success, inevitably, has led us to all method of SUVs, together with posh efficiency fashions from manufacturers like Bentley, Maserati and Lamborghini.
Now into this area of interest of “tremendous SUVs” comes one other storied marque: Aston Martin.
The model most popular by Mr. Bond launched its smooth DBX as a 2021 mannequin, proclaiming it could mix versatility and indulgence with the efficiency of automobiles made well-known by 007.
And like these Astons, the DBX definitely attracts consideration.
Whereas parking the DBX on a lunch outing, we have been requested: “Is that an Aston Martin you’re driving?” Our fellow diner mentioned he was from an space of Florida the place ultra-luxury SUVs are as widespread as vacationers, however our Satin Lunar White DBX was a primary for him.
The SUV can be a primary for the model, which it hopes will entice a brand new section of consumers to Aston Martin possession.
To that finish, the British producer took a clean-sheet method to the DBX. The result’s evident within the design, the place a protracted wheelbase and low roof line create a smooth profile that allowed our DBX to face out even in a parking-lot row of white SUVs. The look is all Aston Martin, from the homage to the model’s heritage within the type of a facet strake above the entrance wheels to a protracted nostril whose curvaceous hood ends within the acquainted iconic grille.
Nonetheless, the smooth look of the midsize DBX might be deceiving, because the cabin is surprisingly roomy in each the entrance and rear seats. These seats are swathed in positive leather-based — lengthy an Aston energy — that may be complemented by your selection of luxurious trim, from metallic to wooden to carbon fiber.
But when the DBX invokes the luxurious of an Aston Martin, does it additionally carry out like one? Its twin-turbo V-8, an up to date model of the one from Mercedes-AMG that the DBX shares with its DB11 and Vantage siblings, doesn’t disappoint. The 542-horsepower V-8 is mated to a nine-speed transmission and offers fierce acceleration with an exhaust observe to match — particularly when pushed in Sport+ mode. And right here’s a sentence that sounds jarring to the ear: This Aston’s six driving modes embrace Terrain and Terrain+ ought to your wanderings take you to the nation membership or the backcountry. This off-pavement potential is facilitated by the usual all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension that permit the driving force to regulate journey peak. Oh, and the DBX has a towing capability of almost 6,000 kilos.
Nonetheless, all that energy can be squandered if the DBX didn’t have composed highway manners. It’s surprisingly nimble within the corners: We have been compelled to make an abrupt lane change at freeway speeds — did somebody lose a mattress on I-75? — and the SUV’s grip by no means wavered.
When not revealing its driving dynamics, the DBX can even nimbly adapt to your way of life. Among the many accessible accent choices: a bundle for pet house owners that features a transportable washer to maintain furry mates and the SUV’s inside clear. Then there’s an Occasions bundle that mounts rear-facing seats within the cargo space and comes with meals and eating storage — together with a relaxing compartment — for the discerning spectator. Cheers! The value begins under $200,000 however in fact it will possibly rapidly improve with a number of inside and exterior choices.
But the DBX brings a brand new option to the luxurious market — the practicality of an SUV and the cachet of an Aston Martin. One would possibly say it’s a trend-setter.
This web site now not helps your present browser. Please use a contemporary and up-to-date browser model for the most effective expertise.
Chrome —Firefox —Safari —Edge
